Between Two Beers podcast: Petra Bagust on 18 years of television stardom and why she walked away

Petra Bagust on the red carpet at the Vodafone Music Awards 2012. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Petra Bagust was one of the biggest stars of New Zealand television for 18 years.

She burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old co-host of cult classic Ice TV, and walked away as host of NZ's biggest gig on Breakfast, aged 40.

Since then she's started her own popular podcast called Grey Areas, and is a media chaplain.

In this episode of Between Two Beers, Steve and Seamus talk to Petra about her rapid rise to fame in the late 90s,  why she had such a difficult time hosting Christmas in the Park with John Hawkesby, why ICE TV was so successful, reflections on 'Petra the Virgin', her shows that bombed – and why they didn't work, why she quit Breakfast live on TV, we talk about the current media landscape and much, much more.

New ep with Petra Bagust live tomorrow! @TheACCnz pic.twitter.com/JCVc3x90sU

— BetweenTwoBeersPodcast (@BeersBetween) October 2, 2022

Petra is such a smooth communicator. She seamlessly switches from a witty gag to a heartfelt piece of wisdom, and it will quickly become apparent why she was the most in-demand host on TV in New Zealand for so long.

Show notes | Petra Bagust

2:25: A taste of stardom: fan hugs with Petra

4:41: Podcast chat

12:44: Grey hair: a metaphor for freedom

18:03: Seamus owns his crush on Petra

24:26: Reflecting on 20 years on kiwi TV screens

27:42: ICETV and climbing the ladder

36:31: Being a 22-year-old in the spotlight

41:45: On-air chemistry

43:51: Petra the Christian Virgin

51:54: Travelling the world as a newly married couple

57:58: Sing Like a Superstar

1:00:39: Public recognition over the years

1:04:26: Juggling family life and work

1:09:30: Dealing with negative feedback

1:16:32: Leaving Breakfast, going on sabbatical, and Tearfund

1:22:59: Petra's Te Reo Maori journey

1:29:27: Media chaplaincy and thoughts on the current media landscape

1:32:33: Last words from Steven, Seamus and Petra

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